[2] It was first described as a species in 1898 by the British zoologist William Edward de Winton using specimens from Corsica.

It is now often treated as a full species as it does not appear to hybridize with the European hare where their ranges overlap and studies of mitochondrial DNA suggest that it belongs to a distinct lineage which differentiated in isolated refuges during the last glacial period.

[3] It is similar to the European hare in appearance, being largely brown with a cream-coloured belly.

It is common and widespread on Sicily where it occurs from sea-level up to 2,400 metres (7,900 ft) on Mount Etna.

[2] Its population appears to be declining and it is classified as "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).